Category: Legislation
Bills’ advancement in Michigan a step forward for worker assault prevention
The union’s renewed intensity on protecting our Amtrak, bus and transit members from assaults by passengers resulted in a late-night victory for our cause Nov. 8 in Michigan. State Legislative Director Donald Roach proudly reported that HB 4917 and HB 4918, both to enhance pr [...]
Rail labor collectively urges representatives to oppose House THUD bill
The Transportation Trades Department of the AFL-CIO, of which the SMART Transportation and Mechanical Divisions are members, issued the following letter today, Oct. 31, on the Transportation Housing and Urban Development bill under consideration in the U.S. House. Dear Repres [...]
Michigan bills protecting bus/transit and passenger workers advance
SMART Transportation Division Michigan State Legislative Director Don Roach reports that two bills supported by the union have taken a step forward in the state Legislature after receiving a key committee endorsement. HB 4917 and HB 4918 seek to enhance protections for transp [...]
Colorado legislative update: Rail safety bill before influential committee
BNSF and UP have made a solid investment in lobbyists in Colorado and they’re getting their money’s worth. In 2023, SMART-TD Colorado State Legislative Director Carl Smith put forward a solid railroad safety bill to the Legislature that your union wholeheartedly supported. Br [...]
Kansas secures two-person crews as the law of the land
Making two-person crews the rule of the land in the state of Kansas took an atypical route to the finish line but got there just the same. It has been the goal of SMART Transportation Division Kansas State Legislative Director Ty Dragoo for years and it was finally achieved. [...]
Pa. group releases ad seeking action on rail safety legislation
The Rebuilding American Values action group in collaboration with the SMART Transportation Division Pennsylvania State Legislative Board has put its resources forth to support rail safety legislation being considered in the Pa. Senate. The result is a radio ad being broadcast [...]It’s a step ahead for Pa. rail safety bill
H.B. 1028 addresses minimum crew size, blocked crossings and train lengths Earlier this week on June 5, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed a comprehensive railroad safety bill, H.B. 1028, by a 141-62 tally. The bill will now move on to the state Senate, where th [...]
Veto means Nevada governor picked politics over safety
In 2023, political ideology factors into almost every aspect of our lives. It can dictate what news sources we tune into, what restaurants/coffee shops we spend our money at, where we choose to live, and even who we see as a “good neighbor.” All of these are unfortunate reali [...]